10805 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, California, United States | (251) 219-4428
Retro 1960s property with views of St. Jacinto Mountains
Affordable and clean rooms with small balconies or patios
Three-bedroom villas with hot tubs also available
Olympic-size pool and seven soaking pools fed by hot mineral springs
Full-service spa
Old-fashioned diner and lounge bar with regular live entertainment
Pools open 24 hours a day
Free Wi-Fi and parking
Dated facilities in need of general renovations
Some rooms are in poor condition
Noise from pools can be heard in rooms
No fitness center
The Desert Hot Springs Spa Hotel is a budget property that has barely changed since it opened in the 1960s. Its authentic retro atmosphere is not without charm, but renovations are needed throughout the property -- it's a perk that the vintage signage has been kept in tact, but broken cabinets and stained carpets are due for an update. However, the eight different pools fed by mineral hot springs are well-maintained and popular with the locals. Leisure travelers and families on a budget will find value here, but should be prepared to drive to anything other than the on-site restaurant and bar in this residential area outside of Palm Springs. The neighboring Miracle Springs Hotel and Spa is a larger sister property with more contemporary furnishings, though also dated.
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Scene
Retro 1960s budget day spa hotel with mineral hot spring pools
The original 1963 road sign announces this mid-century day spa in faded glory and towering iconic typography. A hotel was built around the hot springs in 1970, forming the central courtyard that remains unchanged today. Privately owned, the hotel is a favorite hang for locals who grew up enjoying the pools and the diner. Guests stroll around the grounds in their beachwear and the atmosphere, despite stained carpets and chipped paint, is completely relaxed.
Location
Located on a residential street in Desert Hot Springs
Famous for its restorative waters, Desert Hot Springs is a town in the Coachella Valley between Palm Springs and Joshua Tree National Park. The town itself is fairly residential with few attractions besides the famed mineral waters, but can be a peaceful escape for travelers. There's not much within walking distance of the hotel, but it's about 20 minutes to Palm Springs' shopping, galleries, restaurants, and bars. Though set in the foothills of Joshua Tree National Park, the nearest park entrance is still a good 45-minute drive, and Coachella is about 35 minutes away. The airport is a 25-minute drive from the hotel, and Los Angeles is two hours away.
Rooms
Basic rooms with mini-fridges and coffeemakers, plus private balconies or patios
The hotel's 50 rooms are clean and simple, with dated decor that departs from the retro aesthetic of the hotel. Typical budget furnishings and carpets are paired with some eclectic mismatched chairs. Most rooms have mini-fridges, coffeemakers, and microwaves, while suites have small kitchenettes. Many need updating, with stained couches, carpets, broken cabinet handles, and some have older tube TVs. The bathrooms have average shower/tub combos and double vanities for extra space. Rooms that overlook the courtyard from the small patios or balconies can get noisy late at night (the pools are 24-hour). Three-bedroom villas are also available for larger groups or families looking for more space. These are situated adjacent to the hotel, and each has a private yard with a barbecue grill and hot tub. One of them even offers a pool with a waterfall and an additional hot tub.
Features
Eight outdoor mineral spring pools, full-service spa, and a diner and lounge bar with live entertainment
The hotel's main draw are its eight pools fed by natural mineral waters, which rise at 140 degrees from 300-foot deep aquifers, before being cooled down to between 90 and 104 degrees depending on the pool. The pool courtyard is 24-hour and lifeguards are on duty until 11 p.m. Day passes (and week passes) are available, bringing in plenty of locals to use the pools. The full-service spa offers a wide list of treatments, including massages, facials, and various beauty treatments. The Sunshine Café has an old-fashioned counter and stools and serves inexpensive diner food, and the decades haven't changed the lounge bar much either. The bar doubles as a small venue with regular live entertainment and karaoke nights. Wi-Fi and parking are both free.
